Douglas Todd Brower, or “Rusty” to those that knew and loved him, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 6 at age 66 and is now in the arms of his Lord and Savior.
Rusty was born March 24, 1956, to Douglas and Miriam Brower in West Seattle. He moved with his family to Adna in 1968. He started school in the Adna School District and graduated from W.F. West in 1974.
Rusty entered the Army July 16, 1975, with his best friend John Willett on the buddy system. They were both honorably discharged from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, exactly three years later on July 16, 1978.
Rusty spent the bulk of his work life with the Chehalis School District in the maintenance department starting in 1980. Most of his time was at Olympic Middle School. During his time off from work at the school district, he spent many, many hours and days remodeling and maintaining the Calvary Chapel in Centralia at the old location. He retired from the school district as the facilities maintenance man in 2013.
He continued his career as a maintenance man when Calvary Chapel purchased the old Eagles building and proceeded to remodel it for their new sanctuary, Sunday school classrooms and office space. Never asking for a title or a paycheck, he devoted a major portion of his time doing what he believed to be the Lord’s work for his church. Rusty’s life was centered on his commitment to Jesus, volunteering wherever he felt he was needed. You never had to ask twice to get Rusty’s help on any project, large or small. It didn’t matter whether you were family, a church member or just an acquaintance, he was there for you.
He didn’t need a hobby; he had the best learning tool ever, his Bible. He was quick to cite a Bible verse to any thought or question he was asked to respond to.
He had a great sense of humor and his laugh is one we will never forget.
He leaves behind his wife, Shannon, at home; his son, Leon Brower; brother, Mike Brower (Chris); brother, Jeff Brower; brother, Gerold Brower Sr. (Nena); sister, Cindy Willett (John); and nieces and nephews, Jeff Brower, Jody Leff, Josi Tiodin, Lacy Willett, Gerold Brower, Jessica Brower and Kayleen Kanouse Fisher.
A celebration of Rusty’s Life will be held at 1 p.m. March 11 with a reception to follow at Calvary Chapel, 2308 N. Pearl St., Centralia, Washington
